Yemeni government urges international probe into alleged Houthi use of toxic shells in Taiz

The Yemeni government has called for an urgent international investigation into violations committed by Houthi forces in Taiz province, accusing the group of using toxic and internationally banned shells against civilians. Reports indicate that these attacks have resulted in cases of suffocation and fainting among civilians and resistance fighters.

The government urged the United Nations and the international community to support a rapid technical investigation to determine the nature of the toxic substances used in the shelling, holding the Houthis responsible for any threats to civilians and warning of possible legal action if these violations are confirmed.

The government stressed that lifting the siege imposed by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on Taiz, as well as protecting its residents and securing roads and supplies, is a national priority. It called on the international community to provide political, military, security, and logistical support to the government and armed forces, and to take urgent measures to end the blockade and halt Houthi attacks.

These statements came during a conference in Aden reviewing the impact of the war and Houthi siege on Taiz, where the government outlined the humanitarian and security damage suffered by residents, including road closures, disrupted supplies, and increased suffering for patients, the wounded, and families.

The government also noted that targeting civilians, facilities, and medical teams, planting landmines, displacing residents, and recruiting children have all worsened the severity of violations.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing state resources and supporting the armed forces to defend the republic, lift the siege of Taiz, restore state institutions, and protect citizens, referencing the declaration of general mobilization and the launch of the “Dawn of Yemen” campaign by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi.